Shirley Ann Heller

Shirley Ann Heller, 77, died Monday, May 29, 2017 at Grand Strand Regional Medical Center with her family at her side.

Born on June 6, 1939 in Hartford, CT, she was the daughter of the late Samuel and Alice Benson Sokoloski. Shirley married Douglas Heller in 1961 in upstate NY.

She and Doug were inseparable in their 56 year marriage with a love that began when her best friend, Pat Melioris, introduced them in church. Shirley was part of the civilian work force at Rome AFB in the procurement field, and an Executive Secretary for a successful law firm until she and Doug established Heller’s Upholstering Inc. (3rd generation), in 1967. Their lives together consisted of raising their daughter, running their business, and embracing family, friends, and fun. They moved to Oneida Lake, NY in 1991 and enjoyed their beautiful lake property; boating, fishing, jet skiing, and snowmobiling. When they retired they relocated to Calabash, NC where they became integral members of the North Myrtle Beach community.

Shirley was a feisty, spit-fire of a woman, who will be greatly missed for her great company, outlandish humor, and being such a strong force in everyone’s life she touched. She stayed in constant contact with her childhood best friend of 67 years, Pat Melioris of Rome, NY.

Besides her love for Doug and Terry, she loved baking, knitting and crocheting for Wounded Warriors, socializing, and listening to all the live bands, especially Black Water Rhythm and Blues. She will be missed by her many friends in upstate New York and at North Myrtle Beach’s Fat Harold’s Beach Club and Duck’s Beach Club.

Shirley is survived by her beloved husband of 56 years, Douglas G. Heller, daughter Theresa “Terry” Carpenter (John) of Choctaw, OK, and her sister Kristine Weisman (Glen) of Foster City, CA. She is predeceased by her brother Victor and sister Patty.

A memorial celebration of her life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Wounded Warriors (https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org).

A guestbook is available at www.leefhandcrematory.com.

Lee Funeral Home & Crematory of Little River/North Myrtle Beach is serving the family.